Lionsgate Enter Ender's Game Argument

This week has seen the war of words between LGBT sci-fi fans and Ender's Game author Orscon Scott Card escalate to new levels. Earlier this week, Card, an outspoken opposer of gay marriage and a board member of the National Organization of Marraige (NOM), felt compelled to release a statement in the wake of the supreme court ruling, which ruled in favor of gay marriage. His argument was clear. Card thought that with the ruling being made, his opinion was no longer valid and therefore people should stop giving him and his work so much grief. Card's biggest critics, Geeks Out, a group for gay sci-fi fans had gained a strong following for their campaign to boycott the Ender's Game movie, and they hit back at the author's latest comments. They weren't planning on relaxing their stance on the man, his work or his views, stating that gay marriage was still illegal in 31 states and therefore Card's opinions were in no way 'moot'.

Until now, Lionsgate had remained silent, but with increased exposure to the row and marketing for the film also ramping up this week, they have finally stepped in with the following statement.

"As proud longtime supporters of the LGBT community, champions of films ranging from Gods And Monsters to The Perks Of Being A Wallflower and a company that is proud to have recognized same-sex unions and domestic partnerships for many years, we obviously do not agree with the personal views of Orson Scott Card and those of the National Organization For Marriage. However, they are completely irrelevant to a discussion of Ender's Game. The simple fact is that neither the underlying book nor the film itself reflect these views in any way, shape or form. On the contrary, the film not only transports viewers to an entertaining and action-filled world, but it does so with positive and inspiring character who ultimately deliver an ennobling and life-affirming message.

Lionsgate will continue its longstanding commitment to the LGBT community by exploring new ways we can support LGBT causes and, as part of this ongoing process, will host a benefit premiere for Ender's Game"

So will this be enough to win over the doubters? Probably not all of them, no. But this will certainly help to make a very valid argument that many fans of the Ender's Game novel have been making for a while. The fact is, as Lionsgate point out, the Ender's Game story in no way makes any statement on LGBT lifestyles. It is also one of the greatest pieces of science fiction writing ever made and fully deserves a high-budget and true movie adaptation. Those that do not want to put any more money into Card's pockets are absolutely within their right to do so, but it would be a shame for this long-awaited adaptation to be overshadowed by an argument over the author's hateful views.